Remote magnetic navigation and arrhythmia ablation.

Radiofrequency treatment is the first-choice treatment for arrhythmias, in particular complex arrhythmias and especially atrial fibrillation, due to the greater benefit/risk ratio compared with antiarrhythmic drugs. However, complex arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation require long procedures with additional risks such as X-ray exposure or serious complications including tamponade. Given this context, robotic magnetic navigation is a technique well suited to the treatment of complex arrhythmias, on account of its efficacy and reliability, the significant reduction in X-ray exposure for both patient and operator, and the very low risk of perforation.

A single-centre experience concerning the safety of Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead extraction at the time of pulse generator replacement or in case of evidence of lead failure.

Background: The reported failure rate of the Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead (SFDL) has increased more than initially expected, with emerging evidence of accelerating fracture rates. Current consensus guidelines continue to discourage prophylactic lead extraction, citing major complication rates of 1.4-7.

Single-centre experience with an 8-mm tip catheter for radiofrequency catheter ablation of outflow tract ventricular ectopic beats.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of outflow tract ventricular ectopic beats (OTVEBs) can be performed using a 4-mm or externally-cooled tip RFA catheter, but no data are available concerning the safety and efficacy of a large-tip (8-mm) catheter.

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of using an 8-mm tip catheter in patients with OTVEBs.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, the 8-mm tip catheter was tested in patients who were referred to our centre for RFA of symptomatic OTVEBs.

Anatomical factors involved in difficult cardiac resynchronization therapy procedure: a non-invasive study using dual-source 64-multi-slice computed tomography.

Aims: In cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) procedure, left ventricular (LV) lead implantation is time consuming. In this clinical setting, no study has investigated the impact of right atrium anatomical parameters on both CRT implantation procedure duration and X-ray exposure. Additionally, only few studies have examined the coronary sinus (CS) using dual-source 64-multi-slice computed tomography (DS 64-MSCT), and its impact on CRT procedure parameters has not yet been investigated.